Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Kim's Take On * INTO THE WHIRLWIND by KAT MARTINWhen former high fashion model, Megan O'Brien discovers her beloved son has been kidnapped, she is obviously frantic as the note left behind instructs her that involving the police will cause the end of her son's life. The only person she can trust is former bodyguard/lover, Dirk Reynolds, but Dirk took their breakup badly, so even being in the same room with Megan is tough to handle. Putting all ill feelings aside, Dirk and the team at Boss, Inc do what they must to sift through the intrigue to save Megan's three year old from being a pawn in this multi-layered game of greed. Although telling Dirk it was over all those months ago tore at her heart, Megan thought she was doing the right thing by her son and her family. The rough around the edges Dirk couldn't have fit in well with those in her life... or could they? The beautiful single mother has ambitions of opening a boutique geared towards high-end sportswear for women, but even her dreams of this store mean little to her when it comes to her son and his safety.Dirk's heart was broken when Megan suddenly called it quits. They had a great thing going that made him want more out of life than his career and and his friends. Megan was his everything until she broke it off, and that break hit deep. Seeing Megan again brings back all those emotions he had when they were together, but saving her son is paramount to any of those feelings and once the job is done and Megan is reunited with her child, he'll return to his life and Megan to hers, or that's what the plan is.INTO THE WHIRLWIND by Kat Martin is suspense, intrigue and romance all rolled up into this perfect story. If Megan can trust Dirk to bring back her son, safe and sound, why can't she trust him with her heart as well? This is the crux of the well crafted tale that spans from the Upper Northwest of the United States to South America. Sometimes appearances aren't everything, and Dirk's rough and tumble exterior is only a front for this dedicated man who loves deeply. In INTO THE WHIRLWIND, Megan is under the assumption at first that Dirk is not a good fit in her life, but actions speak louder and her assumptions could be her downfall if she doesn't open up and let Dirk in.I loved this book. Kat Martin keeps the reader on the edge with INTO THE WHIRLWIND. All of the awesome characters involved in this tale, as well as the beginning book in the BOSS INC series, INTO THE FURY are perfection and essential to the outcome in this story. The chemistry between Dirk and Megan sizzles from the get-go and helps to make INTO THE WHIRLWIND a must read, not only for the relationship between the hero and heroine, but for the tension and excitement of getting down to the grit that encompasses this story. INTO THE WHIRLWIND by Kat Martin is intoxicating.

I’ve done a lot of different things other than
writing. My first job was cleaning a
Sprouse-Ritz drug store, the equivalent of a CVS today. A nasty job as the shelves were full of
bugs! I worked in PR for a Title Company
and also did research for them. I worked as a grocery checker. I was a real estate agent for 13 years. I ran an art gallery and did art placement
for large companies like IBM for a while and also had a sales job with a
furniture company. That was my last job
before I started writing full time. I
think having a lot of interesting jobs helps a writer’s work by expanding your
areas of expertise.

Are you full time or part time
writer? How does that affect your writing?

Way full
time. I feel as if all I do is
write--which is pretty much true. I
don’t have much of a life outside my work.
I think it makes my writing smoother, helps keep my focus, but it’s a
high price to pay.

How do you feel about e books vs
print books and alternative vs conventional publishing?

Print books--traditionally
published, gives the writer a far better chance for distribution, but it’s difficult to find a company. I think ebooks are a tremendous opportunity
for new writers. The down side is there
are now millions of basically unedited
novels out there. Finding a good book is
a big challenge. Since I have limited
time to experiment, I find myself going back to authors I can rely on for a
great read.

How do you make time to write?

I wish I
could make time for something other than
writing! Like everything in life, in
order to reach a high level of success, it’s necessary to expend great
effort. Writing as a career isn’t for
everyone.

What projects are you working on at
present?

I’m madly
promoting INTO THE WHIRLWIND, the second novel in my BOSS Inc. trilogy. INTO THE FIRESTORM, book three, Luke Brodie’s
story, is getting final edits and polish.
It’s out for Valentines Day in February next year. Currently, I’m almost finished with the first
book in my new Texas Trilogy, BEYOND REASON.
It’s a little bigger story, Texas multi-millionaire Lincoln Cain butts
heads with Carly Drake, a woman trying to make it in a man’s world. I’ve had fun with this one.

Is there a particular book you
really struggled with?

I think
every novel is a struggle at some point, though some are definitely harder than
others. I’ve written two ghost stories
and they were easier than usual because the story was set up by what actually
happened. INTO THE WHIRLWIND was easier
because I knew the characters, who were both in INTO THE FURY, the first book
in the trilogy. I think I probably blot
out the really tough novels so I won’t get discouraged!

How much research goes into
sculpting your story?

Romantic
Suspense requires a lot of research.
Anything to do with police work changes constantly. Getting the settings right is crucial. Everything requires checking and
rechecking. It’s a ton of work.

What advice would you give to others
wanting to try their hand at writing?

First learn
your craft. Write as tight and polished
a novel as you can. Then set your goals
and don’t give up until you have reached them.
Persistence is the key to success.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Summer Santiago is a vampire, and a Retriever for Acquisitions in the division of the Greater Council for paranormal nations. Her job is to track down and bring magical objects that could be dangerous to humans. She’s in Italy to retrieve a violin that was once owned by virtuoso extraordinaire, the great Nicolo Paganini. Summer has strict orders not to touch the black violin as it will unleash the greatest evil imaginable; she does not, but fate has it that the bow touches ever so slightly the strings, and Paganini who has been dead for 175 years awakens.

I thought THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR had one of the greatest premises I had ever read: a paranormal romance featuring Paganini, and Michele Hauf definitely knew what she was doing! The author’s love and knowledge of her subject is obvious; the story is based upon historical facts as well as rumours regarding the violin virtuoso, which is a delight for classical music lovers as well as heavy metal fans. Summer also suffers from a very interesting affliction I had never encountered before in a vampire. Summer is a wonderful character: she’s a very modern woman, and I loved her from the moment we meet her. It was very entertaining to watch Paganini utterly befuddled at first by the twenty first century, while Summer tried to make him comfortable, and I thought it was extremely well done. That first part of the book is very light, and sunny, leading to very funny banter between Summer and Nicolo, the latter who is also quite the flirt. But events take a turn for the darker when a most undesirable character surfaces and literally threaten Nicolo and Summer’s very existences.

Michele Hauf’s writing is as usual flawless, smooth and lively; the pace is perfect all throughout the book, and the shift from light to dark is seamless. The author has, in my eyes, accomplished an extraordinary feat in introducing a famous historical character in a paranormal romance and making the whole thing totally convincing; I never flinched, and I think it was a first for me. The chemistry between Paganini and Summer is blistering and entirely believable; the sex scenes are beautifully done: loving, tender, and steamy; and the romance starts from a lively little romp to a tragic tale of timeless and unconditional love. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR has many twists and turns, some that had me seriously worrying for the characters. THE VAMPIRE’S PROTECTOR is a brilliant, innovative, and unforgettable book. Brava!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Missed Connection: I saw you
standing there, and I was struck by your eyes. Gorgeous, but not as gorgeous as
your smile.

Thanks
to her job at a crazy New Age spa, what should have been a sizzling NYC summer
is being hijacked by demanding hippie bosses. To unwind, Sarah spends her
nights cruising Missed Connections, dreaming of finding an uber-romantic entry
all about her. Of course, the moment she finds that Missed Connection, real
life comes crashing down around her in a night of unbridled passion with
someone completely different: totally off-limits Jack.

Best. Hookup. Ever.

Gorgeous
and wealthy, hot as sin, Jack can give Sarah everything she needs—except an
emotional connection. That she gets from her Missed Connection, the romantic
stranger who never fails to make her swoon. But there’s only so much of Sarah
to go around. Torn between the bad boy she can’t keep and the sensitive
stranger who bares his soul online, her heart and body are soon in two very
different relationships…or are they?

We’ve all done it—claimed a fictional
boyfriend as OURS because they were painted so realistically and perfect for
us. If we had to choose, who would we say are our favourites? I’ve narrowed
mine down to five:

1. Jericho
Barrons from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. Hot
damn, how do I even begin to describe the man/creature who is Jericho Barrons? If
you haven’t read Moning’s Fever series, you are missing out. It’s probably my
favourite urban fantasy series bar none in no small part to Jerricho
Barrons—who has a huuuuuge…book store. ;) Like Jack, the hero of my new book Missed Connections, when Barrons walks
into the room, no one else exists. They’re magnetic and powerful.

2.
Gilbert Blythe from ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. ‘I hope he breaks your heart.’ Oh, Gil. You wanted Anne from the
first time you saw her—the same as Jack felt about Sarah in Missed Connections. Even though you had
to let her go until she was ready to come to her senses, things worked out okay
in the end. How many people fell in love with you in the books—and then with
Jonathan Crombie in the television series? I know I did. And even though he
passed away far too young, he’ll always be my Gil.

3. Marco
from ARK OF DREAMS by Jessa Russo. Okay, this book isn’t out yet but ADD IT TO YOUR TBR LIST! I’m not
normally a fan of dystopian literature because it can get depressing and
sometimes feel like everything’s been done. But trust me when I say that this
is one that won me over on the genre and not in small part (ahem) to Marco. He
really reminds me of Jack because not only are they both intense, they’re good
guys and there’s more to them both than what’s beneath the surface.

4. Helena
Hunting’s Alex Waters from PUCKED. I feel like I have to preface this by saying that Alex is Canadian
and so am I, and this book was peppered with Canadianisms that were bang-on
(pardon the pun.) I feel I’m only being honest when I say we have some of the
hottest men in the world in Canada. To add to that, Alex is a hockey player,
which is incredibly relevant to my interests. I’ve said before that nothing
makes me feel more Canadian than seeing a hockey fight—I even have a scar on my
thumb from a kid slashing me with his hockey stick when I was in high school. I
also chose Alex because he’s sweet and always makes sure his lady is okay with
exactly what he’s doing in bed! Enthusiastic consent is not an option and is
SEXY and Jack knows all about that in Missed
Connections.

5.
Farm Boy from THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Oh, dear, who didn’t fall in love with Cary Elwes’ portrayal of
Westley in the movie—one of my favourite movies of all time. My dad is a
musician and he met Andre the Giant one day as he was having an interview after
the actor. My dad is NOT a small guy—6’2, 225 then, but he says when Andre
shook his hand his hand was swallowed up and he felt tiny in comparison. Not
everyone has read the book, which is a shame as he’s magnificent in it as well.
His love for Buttercup was pure and real and he’d do anything for her—much like
Jack would for Sarah. Good thing shrieking eels don’t roam Manhattan!

Who are some of your favourites? Are we
going to have a catfight over any of the gentlemen I’ve listed above? *throws
hockey gloves to the ground* Bring it on!

About the Author

Tamara Mataya
is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a
librarian, and a musician with synesthesia. Armed with a name tag and a thin
veneer of credibility, she takes great delight in recommending books and
shushing people. She puts the 'she' in TWSS and the B in LGBTQIA+.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Jane Wendall is having issues with the plumbing in her dilapidated building. Jane has been writing her masters thesis on social work for two years, which will finally permit her to get a good job. She has not been into fun recently; she just has no time, with school and work. But she finds time for internet porn, although no one knows. One evening, her friend Addison phones, and tells her she has the number of a great handyman; Addison paid for him; he’ll be there in an hour: seven pm on a Friday night. Said handyman is Chance Danvers; he works for a construction company, but he also strips for fun. He started in college, and along with some friends, simply continued. He likes his sideline, he enjoys seducing women with his dancing, besides the perks are fab: he can bed his clients when he wants to. That Friday, he’s not in the mood to dance, but he gathers he was hired by Addison for a fantasy, Jane thinks he’s a handyman. She’s not at all what he expected: she’s in yoga pants, slippers, and a hoodie, but she’s an attractive nerd nevertheless. Jane keeps studying, while he starts to dance; she is understandably flustered, and tells him to fix her sink. She might watch porn, but she’s not into strippers, although this one is pretty cute!

SHAMELESS was a very pleasant surprise to a point. The writing is really spectacular, flowing and quite witty, but a word of caution though: Chance likes rough sex, which for Jane is a fantasy, and although everything is unequivocally consensual, some readers might object to the politically incorrect language and the nature of the sexual acts. I did not quite like the mild “light choking”; it’s a personal thing, but still. There is a lot of said rough sex, and just as I was starting to get a bit bored by it, more story took place, so that was good.

The beginning was obviously predictable, but it was very well done, original without the usual annoying parts of the misunderstanding, and very amusing. Told in alternate POVs, I loved the two very different voices. The descriptions are very vivid: I had a crystal clear idea of what Chance looked like, and he was definitely scrumptious! He’s cocky, he knows what he’s got, he initially sounded really nice until the ending, which I did not like as much. While I understand that both Jane and Chance enjoy their rough sex and that it is what turns them on, I wasn’t too fond of how a conflict was resolved, and I felt that things were a tad too quickly settled. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but I thought it was much better than I anticipated. SHAMELESS is a very sexy, quick read, and there is more to come – pun not really intended – in this series with Chance’s stripping co-workers. I hope that Ms. Maxwell can maintain her level of originality with the next instalments, because I’m not quite sure how different the trope can be varied, but we shall see.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

With exceptional talent and looks, cowboy “horse whisperer”
Keith Russo once had the world at his feet — until his career was unwittingly
destroyed by an aspiring filmmaker. After being rejected by his family for
exploiting his Native American heritage, Keith has no choice but to turn back
to his humble beginnings as a wild horse wrangler.

BUT MAYBE THEIR PASSION CAN...

Miranda Sutton always dreamed of making films, until wild
mustangs captured her heart. But turning her grandmother’s Montana ranch into a
wild horse sanctuary proves harder than she thought. She needs someone who
knows wild horses. Keith and the mustangs need each other. And while working
together to save the herd, Keith and Miranda discover a passion as wild as the
mustangs they love.

Exclusive Excerpt:

“Did you know that there are no vulgar words pertaining to sex in
any of the native tongues? We don’t defile the act with dirty words. In fact,
we have no swearwords at all.”

“Yet you think it’s perfectly fine to randomly hop from partner to
partner and bed to bed?”

“I didn’t say we accept promiscuity. We don’t. Just because we view
sex differently doesn’t imply that it’s meaningless. We believe just the
opposite: that the joining of two bodies forges a deeper connection between
their souls. There are no walls in the moment of release, Miranda.” He didn’t
add that his walls always came back up following the afterglow.

“You really believe that?” she scoffed.

“Yes. Sometimes words are inadequate between a man and a woman. They
obstruct the essential truth. Sex is honesty. Pleasure is truth.”

“Don’t play with me,” she whispered. “I don’t like games—or being
the brunt of jokes.”

“You think I’m playing games?”

She hesitated. “I don’t know. You made it obvious from the start
that you didn’t want me around. I don’t understand the sudden turnabout. I’m
not sure what I think.”

“As I said before, you think too much.”

***

Miranda was freezing cold, but she was
also terrified. Of him. Of the feelings he’d roused in her.

He reached out his hand, beckoning softly. “Don’t be foolish,
Miranda. Come and get warm.”

Tamping down her trepidations, she rose and settled herself
lengthwise beside him. His arm came around her, wrapping her in his blanket,
and instantly cocooning her in his body heat. He pulled her closer against him
and nuzzled into her hair. “I don’t understand you at all, Miranda…but I like
how you smell.”

She relaxed. “You do?”

“Yes. I do.” He burrowed into her neck, his breath hot and his lips
soft. “Very much.”

She whispered back, “If we’re making confessions, I like how you
feel.”

“Is that so?” He rolled her onto her back so that his body lay on
top of hers. His mouth stretched into a slow smile. “Is there a particular part of
me you like?”

Her face heated. If she’d had any doubt his desire was real, the
proof was palpable through two layers of thick denim. “Um…maybe that didn’t
come out quite right. I meant that you make me feel safe.”

“Safe?” His thumb skirted softly over her lips. “Maybe you aren’t as
safe as you think.” He added in a tone that made her shiver with anticipation,
“Perhaps Goldilocks is about to discover that the old woman is really a big bad
wolf.”

“You’re mixing up the stories, Keith. Goldilocks was with the three
bears. Little Red Riding Hood was with the wolf.”

“You make films your way, and let me tell the stories,” he said.
“Storytelling is in my blood, after all.”

“All right, then. Have it your way. Tell me this story about
Goldilocks and the Big Bad Wolf.”

He flashed a big, bad lupine grin. “My version begins much the same
as what you have heard before, but when Goldilocks enters her grandmother’s
tepee, she exclaims, ‘Huttsi, what large hands you have!’

‘All
the better to touch you with, my child,’ the wolf
replies.

‘Huttsi,
what a big mouth you have!’

‘All
the better to kiss you with, my dear!’

‘Huttsi,
what a long tongue you have!’

‘All
the better to lick every inch of you, my sweet.’”

His eyes gleamed mischievously. Miranda suspected she knew what was coming
next.

“‘But,
Huttsi, what an enormous—’”

“Don’t say it!” She covered his mouth. His chuckle warmed both her
hand and her ears.

“Don’t you want to know how it ends?” he asked.

“I’m not certain I do.”

“I’ll tell you anyway. He devours her bite by delectable bite.” He
flashed another very wolfish smile. “You see?” His smile disappeared. “You are
never safe with a wolf.”

His lips were soft, smooth and knowing as his mouth melded with hers
with slow, toe-curling deliberation. There was nothing hurried or clumsy, none
of the typical hesitancy, nose bumping, or teeth clashing of a first kiss.
Taking her face in his hands, he deepened the kiss by tiny degrees, increasing
pressure, adding licks and nips, teasing and torturing her until his hot tongue
breached her mouth. Their tongues met, sliding and tangling—both a prelude and
promise of so much more. She’d never been kissed by a man who knew how to give
her everything she wanted, but Keith did.

Shutting her eyes, she recalled a night spent in another desert when
she’d driven down to Baja California for a project in time-lapse videography.
After hours of scouting, she’d located a small growth of thin, inconspicuous,
dead-looking branches hidden among a patch of scrub—a night-blooming cereus.
After setting up cameras, she’d spent the night vigilantly watching for the desert
queen to unfurl for its single night of glory. When the flower finally opened,
it had perfumed the air with a sweet and delicate scent. She sat watching the
flower until it had wilted and withered away with the first light of dawn.
Watching that bloom come to life had been one her most memorable experiences.

Keith made her feel very much like that desert flower waiting to
bloom. She yearned to be touched…to be loved…and her resistance to him was
fading fast. The kiss intensified, blinding her with blissful sensation.
Nothing compared to the taste of his mouth, of his musky scent, of the feel of
his warm hands on her skin. It was everything she’d hope for and more. Any
lingering doubts vaporized like a puff of breath in the cold night air.

Victoria Vane is
a multiple award-winning romance novelist and history junkie whose collective
works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling
erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the
founder of the Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers Goodreads group and the
Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog. She lives on the east coast of
Florida.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

This story started with a bang, literally. Meet the Watson family, all involved in law enforcement. Olivia Watson is marrying Gabe Knight. During her ceremony, a gunman begins firing on the crowd. The church is filled with members of law enforcement and they spring into action, especially the Watson brothers. During the melee, Seamus Watson, their grandfather is hit by a bullet. They chase the shooter but he gets away. Niall is the middle son who is also the KCPD’s medical examiner. Niall returns home from the hospital to his condo after spending hours at the hospital with his grandfather and hears the cries of a baby. The sound seems to come from his neighbor, social worker Lucy McKane’s condo. As Niall investigates the noise, he enters Lucy’s condo where he discovers a crying baby and no one else. As he leaves, his cop instincts kick in and he notices that the door has been jimmied open. Niall begins to take care of the baby with the help of his father when Lucy returns. She has no idea who the baby belongs to, but figures it out when she finds money missing from her secret hiding place. The money was taken by Lucy’s former foster daughter Diane. They figure that Diane left the baby and they set out to try to find her.This is not the only mystery within this story. Niall and the other Watson men are still trying to locate the shooter and to figure out if Seamus was deliberately shot or was it an accident. Next, who is Lucy’s stalker, her ex or someone else? Will Niall finally recognize Lucy’s feelings for him? Finally, will they be able to find Diane and save her life before it is too late.I really enjoyed this story. There were so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew the answers to some of the questions, Ms Miller surprises me with something else. Family plays an important role within this story. As we delve more into the story, the reader finds out that Lucy didn’t have the greatest childhood growing up, the opposite of the loving family Niall had. Lucy becomes involved with the Watson family as the investigations continue. The members of the Watson family, especially Niall’s older and younger brothers are interesting characters too. The interaction between Niall and Lucy is quite funny at times as Niall is often clueless and shy when it comes to relationships. There were quite a few surprises in this story. I can’t wait until the next book in this series. Love the Watson Family. I highly recommend this book.

Monday, May 23, 2016

With REDISCOVERING RAINE, LG O'Connor accomplished a feat seldom seen: I hadn’t read book 1, Caught Up in RAINE (silly me!), and within a few pages, I was emotionally involved with the story of two people I was just meeting. REDISCOVERING RAINE takes place four months after CUIR; Raine received a card from Brigitte, Jillian’s agent: Jillian is holding a book signing and obviously Brigitte wants Jillian and Raine to get back together after he left Jillian. Immediately, I felt Raine’s undying love for Jillian.

I can hardly imagine how readers who have read Caught Up in RAINE will feel, as I was choking up without having read the first book, although I had read the blurb and I had some idea, but now I feel I missed a truly epic love story. And bear in mind, REDISCOVERING RAINE is a very short story! I wish it could have been a tad longer though, maybe five or ten pages more, but nevertheless Ms. O’connor managed in those few pages to make me forget a few recent reads that left a bitter taste in my mouth. The writing is gorgeous; it’s a beautifully touching story that warms the heart and gives you hope. I am truly in awe of Ms. O’connor who could make me feel so much in just a few pages. REDISCOVERING RAINE is definitely well worth reading, and more is coming our way!

Rather than change my review, I thought to merely add the following: I have now read CAUGHT UP IN RAINE, the first book, and contrary to what I thought, it did not end on the cliffhanger I had expected; REDISCOVERING RAINE consists of scenes that were not in book 1, and that fit beautifully and explain things more in detail. I highly recommend REDISCOVERING RAINE, if only to give you a taste, and I'm positive that, like me, you will want to read the wonderful CAUGHT UP IN RAINE.

Friday, May 20, 2016

A sweeping, sexy Highland romance about a wanted Jacobite with a wounded soul, and a spirited Scottish lass on the run.

About the Book:

Title of New Release: The Master of Strathburn

Publisher: Escape Publishing (Harlequin)

Release date: May 15, 2016

Blurb:

Robert Grant has returned home to Lochrose Castle in the Highlands to reconcile with his long-estranged father, the Earl of Strathburn. But there is a price on Robert’s head, and his avaricious younger half-brother, Simon, doesn’t want him reclaiming his birthright. And it’s not only Simon and the redcoats that threaten to destroy Robert’s plans after a flame-haired complication of the feminine kind enters the scene...

Jessie Munroe is forced to flee Lochrose Castle after the dissolute Simon Grant tries to coerce her into becoming his mistress. After a fateful encounter with a mysterious and handsome hunter, Robert, in a remote Highland glen, she throws her lot in with the stranger—even though she suspects he is a fugitive. She soon realizes that this man is dangerous in an entirely different way to Simon...

Despite their searing attraction, Robert and Jessie struggle to trust each other as they both seek a place to call home. The stakes are high and only one thing is certain: Simon Grant is in pursuit of them both...

Amy Rose Bennett has always wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. An avid reader with a particular love for historical romance, it seemed only natural to write stories in her favorite genre. She has a passion for creating emotion-packed—and sometimes a little racy—stories set in the Georgian and Regency periods. Of course, her strong-willed heroines and rakish heroes always find their happily ever after.

Amy is happily married to her own Alpha male hero, has two beautiful daughters, and a rather loopy Rhodesian Ridgeback. She has been a speech pathologist for many years but is currently devoting her time to her one other true calling—writing romance.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Author Jess Michaels can do no wrong is this conclusion to the Wicked Woodleys series which I have loved since the very first moment.

When Jack Blackwood aka Captain Jack sees the widowed Letitia at his brother Warrick's wedding, he is taken for a loop. Letitia Seagate is no shrinking violet and now out and about eighteen months after her husband died, she is ready to take on the world. Her marriage, even though amicable, was not all it could have been and now free from those binds, Letitia sees promise in the wicked Jack Blackwood, who happens to be the brother of his cousin Claire's husband.

Aside from all the rumors surrounding Jack Blackwood, his position as top crime lord in London's underworld has been of late a sorrowful one. Watching his brother War move on from his meager beginnings to marry the woman of his heart leaves Jack happy for his brother, but at a loss for himself. Seeing the intriguing widow across a ballroom brings a spark to his otherwise dismal life.

Letitia is like no woman Jack as ever met and her suggestion of their becoming lovers is a welcome surprise to him. Feelings for one another cannot get in the way, because Jack's life just can't include anyone he cares about, especially when his stint as crime lord is currently in dispute and a hostile takeover by seedier characters may be imminent.

SEDUCED by Jess Michaels is an exceptional read. Ms. Michaels brings all of her characters' facets to light in this fast moving, phenomenal conclusion to the Wicked Woodleys. Jack and Letty's passion and desire for one another amongst the troubles going on in Jack's life make this a must read. The secrets that Letitia hid from everyone, but allowed Jack to know shows that by putting her trust in his, she cares, even though she won't admit it. I loved the internal struggles both Jack at Letitia deal with as well as Jack's power struggle in the crime world. SEDUCED by Jess Michaels is perfection.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

New cover for Julianne McLean first book that she had out .What I liked was Julianne wrote about a time that mail order brides were common for the US west .... But also for North America . Most men put an add in the newspaper looking for. Mate . Hero is Briggs and Heroine is Sarah .Briggs is going in to Dodge City to meet Sarah , who answered his ad in a newspaper back in Boston . Briggs was in love with another woman that found the handle the rough life out in Dodge city. Briggs was ready to marry her .Briggs ground into Dodge city to meet Sarah . Briggs is hoping that Sarah is not beautiful and she can handle life being hard out west .Sarah answered the add in the in the Boston newspaper. Sarah is hoping to escape a man and a situation . Sarah is hoping going out west to Dodge city will do it . That her former male will not find her . The situation with the male is that he and Sarah were married . She found a secret about him . Did Sarah read the situation right ??? Did Sarah handle the life out west ??? How did Briggs really feel about her ???

Friday, May 13, 2016

One Pink Rose by the indomitable Julie Garwood is a re-issue of her original of the For the Roses from 1997. This wonderfully written Western Romance takes us through the ups and downs of the three Clayborne brothers.

In this lovely tale, we have Travis Clayborne, the youngest brother, thrown together with the young Bostonian lady, Miss Emily Finnegan, who has signed on to become a mail order bride. Emily has plans, but meeting Travis opens her heart to so many possibilities. This light-hearted romantic story is a treasure.

Lady Alexandra Hobbs, the daughter of the Duke of Huntley, has intended to marry Lord Owen Monroe since she first glimpsed him from the window of her bedchamber, back when she was just a girl. But the duke has already chosen Alex's infamously spoiled elder sister, Lavinia, for Owen. And now there's no turning back.

Owen has spent most of his bachelor years drinking, gambling, and skirt-chasing. He won't see another pound from his parents, however, until he's engaged to Lavinia. Desperate, he accepts an offer from her innocent and spirited--and absolutely beautiful--sister Alex: She will turn him into a perfectly tamed suitor, and show him how to woo the shrew. But when Alex's true motives come to light, will their bargain lead to recriminations--or to a romance that defies everyone's expectations?Kimberly's Opinion:Yet again, author Valerie Bowman wows me with her well- written story, her sense of humor and her ability to make this reader feel like a part of the story. Alexandra and Owen are such amazing characters with such depth. Watching Alexandra evolve from the girl who fell in love with Owen so early in life to the determined lady set on achieveing her dreams is wonderful. Owen's struggles in dealing with the marriage being forced upon him are real. What is a rogue to do when he is given the daunting task of making the lady in question fall in love with him? Reading THE UNTAMED EARL by Valerie Bowman will answer this question and more!

This short and sexy story by Vanessa Vale was a delight to read. I only wish it was longer and gave a little more detail about some of the characters involved.

When Emma James awakens feeling like she's in a drunken stupor, she discovers she is no longer in the safety of her brother's home, but being sold by that very brother to a madam who owns a brothel. When she pleads with her disgusting brother to set her free and allow her to live her life with the inheritance her family left her, he tells her she no longer has an inheritance. He spent it all and now he wants her gone. After selling her to the madam, the brothel owner gives her two options. Knowing that Emma is great commodity to be had, she offers her a life on her back at the whore house, or to be sold at a bride auction, where at least she would be a wife instead of a prostitute.

Weighing her options carefully, Emma chooses the marriage auction but she has no idea what she's in for when she ends up with not only one husband, but two. Former soldiers, the Englishman, Whitmore Kane and Scotsman, Ian Stewart have big plans for the alluring Emma. Once they rid her of her virginity they plan on grooming her into the perfect wife for the pair.

THEIR KIDNAPPED BRIDE by author Vanessa Vale was a fast paced and entertaining menage taking place in the old West. I actually enjoyed this story, I wish there was more. I want to know what becomes of Emma's despicable brother and I need to know more about Ian's troubles. All in all, this was a nice read, teeming with sex and innuendo. I look forward to more in this series in hopes that I get some answers to some burning questions.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Welcome to the month of May, where so many awesome Harlequin titles are available. Elle James holds a special place in my heart. I ADORE this lady so much. Always smiling and more than generous, Elle James is a bright spot in the literary world. A fabulous author, her stories capture the attention and never let go. I am honored to say that I call Elle James a friend. I hope you enjoy this May Spotlight on Elle James.

DEADLY OBSESSION

DEVIL’S SHROUD Series Book #5

by Elle James

In New York Times bestselling author Elle James's latest, one woman finds she's unsafe in her own home—and in her heart…

Real estate whiz Jillian Taylor thinks heroes and haunted houses are bogus. But when a series of strange events leaves her in danger, Stealth Ops Specialist Chance McCall is quick to the scene. Jillian can't resist the chemistry brewing between her and the sexy agent. But as she and Chance deconstruct her nightmares, someone becomes more desperate to keep those secrets from surfacing.

Chance knows there's more going on at the derelict Victorian manor than just ghosts—just as he knows there's something about the blonde beauty he can't resist. If only he could help decipher the meaning of Jillian's tortured dreams…and keep her safe in his arms forever.

EXCERPT:

Chance
parked his SUV beside the truck and climbed down. His feet had barely touched
the ground when he heard the scream. At first he thought it was a figment of
his imagination. The setting was perfect for a horror story; perhaps his mind had
conjured a muffled scream to add to the ambience.

“Miss
Taylor?” Chance called out.

No
response.

He
climbed the stairs and entered through the open front door, treading softly,
holding his breath and listening for any sound.

Nothing
moved. The old house didn’t even creak, as if it, too, held its breath. Chance
passed through the wide center hallway all the way to the back of the house,
peering through the open doors into what appeared to be a living room, study
and dining room. At the other end of the house, he emerged onto the back porch.
Lumber lay in neat piles against the side of the house. But there was no one
around.

He
returned to the entrance and climbed the stairs to the second story. Cobwebs
hung from the corners and the wooden floors were covered in a thick layer of
dust. This home hadn’t been lived in for a very long time.

After
determining each room was empty, Chance returned to the first floor, passed a
stack of clean white drywall leaning against a wall in the living room and
entered an old-fashioned kitchen. Some of the upper cabinets had been ripped
from the walls, and the countertop had been removed from the lower cabinets,
making their remains appear skeletal.

“Miss
Taylor?” Chance called out.

A
plaintive, bleating cry of a small animal, muffled by walls, reached him, and
he turned toward a door at the far end of the kitchen.

Chance
twisted the knob. The door didn’t budge. Inspecting the door, he noticed a
rusty hook near the top, threaded through a metal eye loop. Forcing the hook
out of the loop, he flung open the door and flipped the light switch. A yellow
bulb blinked to life, illuminating a small portion of the stairs nearest him.

The
weak cries of a tiny animal sounded again, only louder.

Chance
descended the stairs, the pitiful amount of light diminished by the time he
reached the bottom. In the gloom, he almost tripped over a pile of rags. When
his toe connected with them, the rags moved and a low moan rose from the floor.

Chance
dropped to his haunches, his vision adjusting to the darkness. A figure dressed
in jeans and a faded plaid flannel shirt rolled over and light blue eyes stared
up at him.

“Who
are you?”

“Chance
McCall. Molly and Nova sent me over. You must be Jillian Taylor.” He scooped
his hands beneath her, lifted her into his arms and rose with his burden.

She
blinked and stared around the basement, her pale blond hair tousled, strands
falling across her forehead. “What happened?”

“I’d
like to know that myself. But first, let’s get you out of here.” Chance started
up the stairs.

“I
can walk,” she protested.

“Yeah,
but if it’s all right by you, I’d like to get you into the light without
worrying about someone pushing you down the stairs again.”

She
shook her head, her silken hair brushing against his arm. “I wasn’t pushed.”

“No?”

Her
frown deepened. “Why would you think that?”

At
the top of the stairs, Chance set her on the dingy linoleum floor, keeping an
arm around her waist to steady her. “If you weren’t pushed, why was the hook
engaged at the top of the door?” He tipped his head toward the hook.

Leaning
against him, she glanced up at the door, her eyes widening. “Why would the hook
be engaged? I was the only one in the house. All the workers left.”

“That
was my question.”

“Maybe
it fell into place when the door closed.”

“Let’s
see...the door was closed, the hook engaged, and when I opened the door, the
light was off. Are you telling me you turned off the light, as well? And if you
weren’t pushed down the stairs, you must have fallen.”

“I
didn’t fall down the stairs.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Then
why were you lying on the ground?”

She
stared up at him. “I don’t know.”

“Well,
one thing’s for sure.”

“What’s
that?”

“You
can’t stay here alone.”

Jillian
stiffened. “This is my house.”

“Yeah,
but something’s not right here.”

She
glanced around as if still getting her bearings. “Some say it’s haunted.”

“And
you?”

She
shrugged. “I think it needs work, but it’s my home.”

“Lady,
you’re crazy. The best thing that could happen to this dump is to run a
bulldozer over it.”

Jillian’s
chin lifted. “That is not going to happen. I have workers scheduled to restore
the house to its former glory. You wait. It’s going to be beautiful.”

Chance
snorted. “It’s your funeral.”

“The
only way I’m going to die in this house is from old age.” She pushed away from
him and headed back to the front of the house. “You can go back to the B and B.
I don’t need your help.”

“Can
a ghost help you unload that couch off the trailer?”

“No.
But I’d dump the damned thing on the ground before I let you touch it.”

ASK ELLE:

Who is your favorite thriller character? Fiction
or nonfiction.

I love the action heroes in the recent comic book
movies like Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America. If I had to choose, I would
choose, Thor. I love the legends and the mythical quality surround him and his
world.

What are five words that describe your writing process?

Brainstorming, Characterization, Conflict, Romance,
Success

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I’m writing an action scene and the words are
flying off my fingers onto the keyboard, I feel like I’m playing a concert
piano and I’m hitting the crescendo!

How do you come up with the locations for each of your books? Do you get
to travel to them?

As a military brat, we traveled around and lived in
different states. I’ve also had the pleasure of traveling a lot lately. I’ve
been to 49 out of 50 U.S. states (I’m missing Delaware). I’ve traveled in
Canada, Italy, Mexico, Virgin Islands, Australia, New Zealand, England,
Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France. I’ve used some of
these locations in my writing. I don’t always have to have been to a place to
write about it. I do a lot of research online and relate places to those I’ve
visited for climate and ambiance.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love traveling! Seeing new places, visiting other
countries is a thrill for me. My bucket list primarily consists of places I
want to see. I also like boating on the lake, four-wheeling in the mountains
and watching HGTV. I’m hooked on home remodeling shows!

Do you like to write in other genres besides romantic thrillers?

I love writing paranormal, romantic comedy, western
contemporary romance and I’d love to write a young adult paranormal series when
I get time. Ha! I seem to be writing all the time.

How long does it typically take you to write a book?

It depends on the length of the book and if the story is
coming easily to me. Sometimes I can write a 70,000-word book in four weeks,
sometimes it takes two months. I can write a 55,000-word book in the same
amount of time. It really depends on the story and how the characters are
taking shape and what’s going on in my life at the time. Life tends to get in
the way quite often and slows my writing. But then you have to live, right?

Is anything in Deadly Obsession
based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

It’s
all purely imagined. I love losing myself in a story that comes alive in my
head. I hope my Do you prefer to write at any specific part of the day?

I
prefer to write in the middle of the day between 10:00 and 5:00. If I’m pushing
a deadline, I could be writing from 7:00 until midnight.

Which
would you rather do, never write another story or read another book?

Wow.
If I never wrote another story, I think I’d be okay. But I always have to have
something to read! I started out a reader. That has never changed. Granted, I
don’t have as much time to read, but I love to read!

.Ballpoint,
uniball or fountain pen?

Gel
pens! I love colorful gel pens with thick, vibrant colors. Pens are like candy
to me. I can’t get enough. I love to see the ink flow onto the paper and make
notes about my stories.

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Hello all, it's Kim Rocha.. I want to welcome you all to the blog and thank you for stopping by for a look. There's nothing I like better than helping a reader like myself find a new author and some great books to read.

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This blog is totally ME... I only post what I truly like. I don't go with the trends or with what's "hot". Sometimes I'm stuck in the West with some really awesome Cowboys and sometimes I'm immersed in Historical. Once in a while I'll read some exciting paranormal... Book Obsessed Chicks Blog isn't flashy with dozens of posts a day and I don't sell anything. I like to keep it simple.

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AT THIS TIME, I APOLOGIZE, BUT I AM NOT ABLE TO TAKE REVIEW REQUESTS, UNLESS THE BOOKS ARE IN MY PREFERRED GENRES. HISTORICAL ROMANCE, WESTERN ROMANCE, PARANORMAL. APPROVAL WILL GO ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

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